Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

[Brooks G.]

Guys, I am still working on my '56. I have run across something I find interesting. Under the dash where the interior mirror goes is what appears to be a piece of Masonite that was bonded to the underside. I am attaching some pictures of the underside of the dash and of the piece that I tried unsuccessfully to remove intact after having the upper dash panel replaced. Is this what was used by the factory in '56 and '57 to beef up the dash under the interior mirror? I am wondering what other '56 & '57's have under their dash in this location? Thanks in advance!
Brooks Glover (2141)

[Dan D.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

Brooks, my 57 has the same thing. Not sure what the material is but mine is in good shape. Looks like yours may have suffered some water damage. Let me know if you would like a pic of mine. I can take a second look at it too, but it is definitely a factory installed gusset. -Dan-

[Steve H.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

I agree, my 56 has the same type reinforcement.

Steve

[Edward M.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

Brooks;

I'll get a pic of mine when my back stops hurting enought to crawl under the dash.

PS: I have pictures of your hardtop in Kissimmee hanging on a motorized hardtop lift.

[Brooks G.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

Guys, thanks for your reply to my question. Sorry it has taken me a while to reply but my wife has health issues that require a good bit of my time. I am planning to try to locate a piece of material similar to what I took out of my dash and bond it to the new dash. I am having a bit of trouble finding Masonite that does not have holes in it. All I have found so far is peg board Masonite. Any ideas where I can locate some without holes? Thanks in advance! Brooks Glover (2141)

[Steven B.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

Guys, thanks for your reply to my question. Sorry it has taken me a while to reply but my wife has health issues that require a good bit of my time. I am planning to try to locate a piece of material similar to what I took out of my dash and bond it to the new dash. I am having a bit of trouble finding Masonite that does not have holes in it. All I have found so far is peg board Masonite. Any ideas where I can locate some without holes? Thanks in advance! Brooks Glover (2141)

Brooks, try a smaller lumber yard as they may have this when th ebig box stores don't. How thick a piece do you need? I will check our local yards.

Steve

[Dan D.]

Re: Dash Under Interior Mirror on 1956

Brooks, I measured mine. It comes in at 3-1/2 X 8-1/2. Looks like standard 1/8" thick.

You should not have a hard time finding this stuff. The stuff is not as common as it used to be, but is still used. Masonite is very poor in humidity - it swells up like crazy. The worst part may be paying for it. You may have to buy a 4/8 sheet - the stuff is not cheap.

If you can't find any, let me know. I should have a piece that I can cut out and send to you.

Hope your wife is getting better.

-Dan-